Ben Tate out for rest of season

In all probability, running back Ben Tate has played his last game with the Texans.

Tate is in the last year of his contract, and he was placed on injured reserve Wednesday. He reinjured one of the four ribs he cracked against Kansas City.

Tate is expected to sign a lucrative contract with another team when free agency begins in March.

“We had it protected, certainly,” interim coach Wade Phillips said about Tate’s battered ribs. “Ben said had it been on the other side, he probably would have tried to shoot it up, (but now) I think it’s time to make sure (to) worry about his health first.

“I’ve said all along I thought he was a really tough son of a gun. A lot of guys won’t get shot up for anything. A cracked rib is a problem, but it’s not something too serious as far as his overall health. But once you get it multiple times, I think you’ve got to shut him down.”

Dennis Johnson will start against Denver on Sunday. Deji Karim moves into the backup spot. The Texans signed free agent Jonathan Grimes, who went to camp with them last year.

Tate closed the season with 181 carries for 771 yards and four touchdowns. He averaged 4.3 yards a carry. He followed Arian Foster to injured reserve. Foster had 121 carries for 542 yards and two touchdowns before a back injury at Kansas City ended his season.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Week 17: Titans 16, Texans 10

Texans defensive end Antonio Smith (94) kneels on the field.

Week 17: Titans 16, Texans 10

Texans defensive end Antonio Smith (94) kneels on the field.

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Texans running back Jonathan Grimes (41) asks the official if he can keep the ball after scoring his first career touchdown.

Texans running back Jonathan Grimes (41) asks the official if he can keep the ball after scoring his first career touchdown.

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Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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